Incorporating humor into the workplace delivers proven benefits for employees and organizations, including reduced absenteeism, sharper problem-solving, higher productivity and perseverance, and boosted creativity.
But what if you're not naturally funny? Whether you're a natural comedian or a more serious leader, the L.A.F.T.E.R. model provides a practical template to infuse levity into your team. (Why the 'ugh' in 'laughter' anyway? Let's ditch it.)
Related: 4 ways to laugh more
Lead by example. Don't take yourself too seriously. Embrace team-building antics or self-deprecating moments—like owning a bad hair day or shirt stain. Once, I spilled coffee all over my lap and, instead of hiding, paraded it through the lobby. A quiet new employee quipped, 'I told you to see a doctor about this!' Laughter ensued, breaking the ice and building a genuine connection.
Ask for help. If humor isn't your strength, appoint a 'humor boss' or 'comedy czar.' They'll flood you with ideas—and likely won't stop. Picture that colleague in your office right now. Combine this with leading by example: One executive I know encouraged close colleagues to tease him publicly, signaling his easygoing nature.
Have fun. Forcing jokes often backfires (à la Michael Scott from The Office). Instead, foster group fun. Neurobiologist and psychologist Robert Provine notes we're 30 times more likely to laugh in groups than alone. Organize interactive activities like team cooking, service projects, trivia nights, talent shows, or brackets for March Madness or the Oscars.
Related: The key to doing more: have fun
Tell your story. Be open about your goal to make work more enjoyable. Share it with your team—they'll contribute ideas and appreciate your effort. Extend this to recruiting and marketing: Highlight humor in job descriptions ('seeking a sense of humor'), values, social media, and ads.
Earn it. Reading this doesn't entitle you to goof off. A 2012 Bell Leadership Institute study found employees cite 'work ethic' and 'sense of humor' twice as often as any other leadership trait. Prove your reliability first; then humor lands as a refreshing bonus, not a distraction.
Rituals. Culture thrives on consistent rituals—daily, weekly, monthly, and annually—not one-off events like a holiday party.
Annual: Holiday parties, service projects, run/walks, kickball games, awards banquets.
Monthly/Seasonal: Employee of the Month, Make Customers Smile, NCAA Bracket Challenge, Oscars Bracket Challenge, costume contests, potlucks, trivia.
Weekly: Monday Pun-day (add puns to doors/bulletin boards), 'Toes-day' (sandals in summer), Team Tuesday (morning teamwork), Wacky Sock Wednesday, Friday Funny (share a video or article).
Daily: Fun office signage, joke of the day, 3 p.m. dance party.
You don't need to be the funniest person to lead with humor. Apply L.A.F.T.E.R. to build a fun culture that drives results.
Related: Use your 'humor' to be a better human being
